Calgary Zoo Elephant Crossing

Calgary Zoo Elephant Crossing

A place to call home for the largest land mammal in the world.

Elephant Crossing at The Calgary Zoo is a redevelopment of the original large animal building, which (until 2015) accommodated the Zoo's herd of Asia Elephants, a series of terrariums / aquariums, and a multi-functional indoor area for traveling exhibits. The facility currently hosts the Komodo Dragon exhibit and will host the new panda exhibit in 2018. This project is one of the cornerstones of The Calgary Zoo’s initiative in becoming one of the top five zoological parks in North America. The redevelopment provided over two-thirds more space for the elephants as well as an enhanced visitor experience through the addition of both indoor and outdoor amphitheatres.

The redevelopment addressed the special needs of the elephants and the visual perception that the public has of the exhibit by providing a series of extended view phases and large volumes. The facility offered an enhanced visitor experience through the addition of both indoor and outdoor amphitheatres allowing the public to interact more fully with these animals. The architecture and theme of the facility is based on a South East Asian influence using traditional forms and building materials such as wood structural elements and screens.

The project includes a number of sustainable design elements such as a re-use of the building materials, natural ventilation, day lighting, and animal waste recycling.